Two new additions bring total number of WMU LEED buildings to 12

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—New green building honors for two buildings in Western Michigan University's Western View II student housing complex were announced Nov. 24 as the University held a celebratory simultaneous unveiling of plaques across the campus to mark WMU's commitment to sustainable building practices.

Plaques were unveiled marking five buildings—including the two in Western View—as having successfully achieved certification this year by LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The certification by the U.S. Green Building Council is the nation's gold standard for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.

The event marked the first time any college or university in Michigan was able to certify five buildings in a single year. The event also was what is believed to be the first time anywhere that five LEED plaques were simultaneously unveiled. The unveilings took place in Sangren Hall at the center of campus and was live streamed on large monitors from three other locations at WMU.

Plaques mark LEED-certified buildings across campus

In addition to the Western View buildings, LEED plaques were unveiled in Sangren Hall, which has achieved LEED gold certification for new construction, and the Lee Honors College and Zhang Legacy Collections Center, both of which have achieved LEED silver certification.

Taking part in the ceremony was WMU President John M. Dunn; Cheri Homan, executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council's west Michigan chapter; and WMU student Kelsey Pitschel, a mechanical engineering major who has recently earned her LEED Green Associate certification.

With certification of the Western View buildings, Dunn noted during the ceremony, WMU now has 12 LEED-certified facilities. An additional eight are registered and still going through the certification process. 

The Western View II buildings were completed for fall 2013 occupancy.  The two new apartment-style student residences provided an additional 80,093 square feet for occupancy of 174 residents. They are located just west of the Western View I development, which also is LEED certified.